Canada’s culinary scene has been getting more and more recognition lately — and now the west coast is getting some foodie love via the Michelin Guide.
The first-ever Michelin Guide for Vancouver launched yesterday with eight restaurants awarded one Michelin Star — one of the most prestigious rankings a restaurant can receive in the world. From contemporary spots to Japanese, French and Chinese restaurants, Vancouver’s new Michelin-Star scene is a delicious mix. Here’s what you need to know.
See also: This Canadian wine region is a must-visit, according to ‘Vogue.‘
Which Vancouver restaurants received a Michelin Star?
Each of the following Vancouver restaurants earned one-Michelin-Star distinctions:
- AnnaLena (Contemporary)
- Barbara (Contemporary)
- Burdock & Co. (Contemporary)
- iDen & QuanJuDe Beijing Duck House (Chinese)
- Kissa Tanto (Japanese)
- Masayoshi (Japanese)
- Published on Main (Contemporary)
- St. Lawrence (French)
You can find more details about each restaurant via the Michelin Guide here.
You may also like: 6 salads loved by celebs that you can make at home.
How does the Michelin Guide work?
Fun fact: the origin story of the famous Michelin Guide all comes back to… tires. Yes, really. The guide was originally created in 1904 by the French tire company Michelin (think: the Michelin Man mascot) as a way to help motorists (after all, in the early 1900s, cars were rare), and has since expanded into a gold-standard guide for the best-of-the-best restaurants in the world.
Now, the guide awards up to three stars to restaurants based on the rankings (considering factors like flavour, quality, consistency and culinary technique) of an anonymous panel of inspectors.
The Michelin Guide is new to Canada. The first Canadian rankings came out earlier this year with Toronto’s edition.
Which Vancouver restaurants are designated ‘Bib Gourmand’?
In addition to the restaurants that received Michelin Stars, 12 Vancouver restaurants were awarded Michelin’s ‘Bib Gourmand’ designation, which recognizes quality value. In Vancouver, this prestigious designation recognizes high-quality eateries that offer two courses, a glass of wine and a dessert for under $60, according to Global News.
Here are Vancouver’s 12 Bib Gourmand restaurants:
- Anh and Chi (Vietnamese)
- Chupito (Mexican)
- Fable Kitchen (Contemporary)
- Fiorino, Italian Street Food (Italian)
- Kin Kao Song (Thai)
- Little Bird Dim Sum + Craft Beer (Chinese)
- Lunch Lady (Vietnamese)
- Nightshade (Vegetarian)
- Oca Pastificio (Contemporary)
- Phnom Penh (Vietnamese/Cambodian)
- Say Mercy! (Contemporary)
- Vij’s (Indian)
So, if you’re looking for a Michelin-recognized meal in Vancouver, it’s time to start making reservations.
Related: A guide to classic cocktails — so you can order your next drink like a pro.
